North West Province DestinationsIfafi, Hartbeespoort Dam

Set on the banks of the Hartebeespoort Dam, the little suburb of Ifafi, which lies equidistant between Hartbeespoort and Meerhof, is a peaceful area known for its tranquillity and essence of escape, despite its being close enough to Johannesburg and Pretoria to make it an easy weekend getaway venue.

Perhaps it is the proximity to water or the fact that it never seems to rain in this part of the world that makes Ifafi so attractive. There is an immediate sense of slowing down, and within hours lethargy overtakes the body as if by former agreement the water element that makes up 80% of the body responds to the dam and its stillness. There is an immediate sense of being away from it all, yet at the same time you have access to water sports and other adventure right on your doorstep in Ifafi.

The area around ‘Harties’, as the locals call it, has an aquarium, art galleries, arts and crafts markets, a cable way to the top of the Magaliesberg that provides unrivalled views and access to the world of para-gliding (from here you get to see gliders launch themselves over the edge), an elephant sanctuary, golf courses, a lion and rhino park, the Magalies meander route, numerous pubs and restaurants, a snake and animal park, water sports and the Cradle of Humankind.

Add to this micro light flights, a visit to Margaret Roberts’ herb farm, which is in the vicinity, local cheese and berry farms and hot air ballooning, and you can understand why Ifafi and other suburbs around Hartbeespoort Dam are as popular as they are.